This week, MP Mary Macleod teamed up with other local MPs, Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park), Justine Greening (Putney), John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington), Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) and John Stewart from HACAN to meet with the Aviation Minister, the Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, to discuss the issue of night noise at Heathrow.

The existing arrangements on night flights at Heathrow are due to end in October 2012. The Minister was particularly keen to hear the views of those present to help shape the future consultation on night noise that will determine the new agreements on night flights for Heathrow airport.

The MPs shared the experiences of their local constituents and stressed the number of complaints they receive, particularly from those woken on a regular basis between 4am and 6am. They also discussed recent reports into the impact on the health of residents suffering from night noise and proposed changes to the system for monitoring breaches of night flight agreements as well as ways to improve the complaints process for local residents.

Mary commented: “The Aviation Minister has shown that she is keen to understand all aspects of noise at Heathrow and I am grateful to her for the opportunity for ongoing discussion on the subject of night flights as it impacts so many local residents. The Minister confirmed that the government is committed to undertaking a robust and objective assessment into the value of night flights, which will consider the impact on the health of local residents whose sleep is affected by night flights from Heathrow.

“I believe this marks a real step forward in this debate, with a more open, fact-based assessment of the issue of night flights, addressing the full costs and benefits not just for the airline industry, but also for those living and working near Heathrow airport.”